What Is Two-Way Voice on the IQ5 NS Alarm Security System?

Two-Way Voice on the IQ5 NS opens a live audio connection between your home and your monitoring station through the built-in MEMS microphone and speaker when a Police, Fire, or Emergency alarm triggers. Monitoring agents can hear activity inside the home and speak directly to occupants inside.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE versions) has a MEMS microphone and a 2-watt speaker built into the unit. Two-Way Voice is handled entirely by the panel hardware and monitoring service when an alarm is detected. No app or user interaction is required during a Two-Way Voice call. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app before proceeding.

How Two-Way Voice Works on the IQ5 NS

When an alarm event is triggered, the panel automatically contacts your monitoring station using its dual-path LTE and WIFI connection. Once the monitoring station answers, the microphone and speaker activate automatically so the agent can communicate with anyone in the room. Because the IQ5 NS has no touchscreen, there is no on-panel interaction needed during a Two-Way Voice call.

The IQ Installer app is used for all system configuration, but Two-Way Voice itself is handled entirely by the panel hardware and monitoring service once an alarm is detected. No app interaction is required when an alarm triggers.

What Triggers Two-Way Voice

Two-Way Voice activates in alarm scenarios on the IQ5 NS. When the system is armed and a security sensor trips, the panel contacts the monitoring center and the Two-Way Voice session begins after the connection is made. Fire and emergency alarms from PowerG-connected smoke or carbon monoxide detectors also trigger the Two-Way Voice connection. The IQ5 NS also supports emergency signals triggered through connected IQ Pendant devices.

Monitoring Plan Requirements

Two-Way Voice requires a monitoring plan that includes central station services. Self-monitoring plans provide notifications and app access through Alarm.com but do not include Two-Way Voice. Cellular alarm monitoring and full monitoring plans include professional central station dispatch and Two-Way Voice capability when supported by the monitoring provider. Contact Alarm Grid to confirm which monitoring plan activates Two-Way Voice on your IQ5 NS.

Responding to Alarms

Since the IQ5 NS has no touchscreen, disarming after a false alarm is done through the Alarm.com app or a connected keypad. If your system is monitored and a false alarm triggers, be ready to provide your verbal passcode to the monitoring agent. If you cannot provide the correct verbal passcode, authorities may be dispatched.

To reduce false alarms on the IQ5 NS, ensure all users have valid access codes, set appropriate entry and exit delays for sensors near entry points, and test the system after any sensor changes. Disarming via the Alarm.com app before entering a secured area prevents accidental triggers. Consider adding home automation devices to your system for integrated smart home control alongside your security monitoring.

Two-Way Voice on the IQ5 NS gives you a direct line to professional monitoring agents during any emergency event. For help with Two-Way Voice or other configurations on your IQ5 NS, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com.